The 83rd annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game line-up was announced this Sunday, and New York-area fans should be satisfied by the local representation.
As usual, the Yankees dominated the lineup. Second baseman Robinson Cano, shortstop Derek Jeter, outfielder Curtis Granderson and pitcher CC Sabathia all made the cut. This is nothing out of the ordinary, as all four combine for an impressive 26 all-star appearances. What was out of the ordinary was 14 time all-star Alex Rodriguez going unselected. In fact, the three time MVP has only missed two all-star games since 1996. Despite the snub, the Yankees look to continue their reign in the All-Star game as they have throughout the 2012 season.
The Mets will also be well represented in the All-Star game by starting pitcher R.A. Dickey who has been dominating Major League Baseball this year. Dickey has been nearly perfect this season with a ridiculous record of 12-1, while maintaining an extremely low ERA (Earned Run Average) of 2.15 and WHIP (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched) of .88. Many consider Dickey a shoe-in for Dickey to start the All-Star game.
The Mets’ David Wright will also be in uniform at the all-star game, but not as a starter, as a reserve, much to the chagrin of Mets fans. Coming into the season with fairly low expectations after 2011, Wright has stunned the nation by consistently putting up all-star level numbers. With an average of .354 that leads all third basemen and 50 RBIs (Runs Batted In) Mets fans are hopeful that David Wright is back on track. Currently, the New York Mets find themselves three and a half games out of first place approaching the All-Star break.
With the All-Star Game about a week away, a final spot still remains for each league. Nominated by managers Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals and Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers, five players from each league still remain competing for the final spot.
The MLB leaves the decision up to the fans, allowing them to choose which players receives the honor of participating in the 2012 All-Star game. Interested fans can log on to www.mlb.com and cast their vote until Thursday, 4 p.m. Fans strictly determine the starting line-up, whereas, the pitchers and reserve players are selected with a player ballot (players, managers and coaches).
In other news regarding the 2012 All-Star game, Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout will become the seventh youngest All-Star position player selection in MLB history. The 20-year-old standout hails from Millville, NJ.
The All-Star game will also determine which World Series team receives home-field advantage.
The 2012 MLB All-Star game will be televised on July 10th at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.
